Friends & Wine Concert Series

Presenting...."Friends and Wine" Concert Series

Hosted by Ronnie Laws 

R&B/Jazz legend, Ronnie Laws finds the perfect home at Leoness Cellars to host an exciting new concert series for Leoness in 2013.

This saxophonist extraordinaire delves into the deep well of his fifty year music career to host long-time friends and music legends at this breath-taking, romantic Temecula Winery on the De Portola Wine Trail. 

Leoness Cellars co-owner, Mike Rennie and concert producer, Joel Reese describe the setting as intimate and enchanting where guests are engaged in the perfect wine and entertainment experience, "up-close" and personal.

"Our vineyard lawn will accommodate about 350 guests, so every seat offers excellent sight and sound. And you are surrounded by lush vines and inspiring views of Palomar Mountain. It's like a backyard party in paradise. We want our guests to stroll through the vines, taste the grapes and get a sense of agriculture while enjoying both the wine and the music. We also want guests to meet the artists and to be seated close enough to sense the emotions and the artistry of each performer," comments Reese.

In 2012 Leoness Cellars featured Ronnie Laws and Friends on the estate vineyard lawn, and country music star, Tim Rushlow "unplugged" in the candle-lit barrel room with a meet-and-greet wine dinner and intimate concert.

"Ronnie will host jazz legend, Joe Sample in the barrel room this year as well. Can you imagine enjoying a wine reception with one of your favorite artists and then listening to them perform and tell stories-behind-the-songs? It just doesn't get any better than that!" Joel continues, "We are honored to have Ronnie host our Concert Series as his renowned reputation for superb musicianship and family values provides the perfect complement to our mission and values at Leoness Cellars."

Concert Series Theme: Mentoring and Collaborating

Ronnie Laws sums up the theme of the series: "It's been an amazing ride up to this point. I am so grateful to have had so many great mentors and to have performed for many appreciative fans through the years. At this point in my career I am ready to stay a little closer to home, mentor up-and-coming artists and host some of my musical friends at this beautiful winery venue only about 90 minutes from my home in L.A.," said Laws.

Knowing that Joel Reese was also an entertainer and a musician, Ronnie asked Joel to perform during his show at Leoness Cellars in 2012. Thus began a friendship and collaboration for creating the concert series.  This mentoring and collaborating spirit sets the stage for the creative nature of Ronnie's Concert Series at Leoness. 

Community 

From childhood, Ronnie was a prodigious, self-taught musician who played local clubs in Houston, Texas. At twelve years of age he was playing with country singer, Kenny Rogers.

Ronnie credits his high school band director, Edward Trangoni for further instilling appreciation for a wide range of musical styles and disciplines, as well as becoming a proficient music reader.

Leoness Cellars, Ronnie Laws and Joel Reese are passionate about working with children to instill character values and support arts-related community organizations.

A portion of the concert proceeds will go to Temecula's Our Nicholas Foundation to support the therapeutic music for autism program and the placement of musical instruments in local schools.

Artist Line-up

Joe Sample: June 9th - Ronnie Laws: July 20th

Concert Dates